JP2006175207A - Medium for impregnating with liquid and kit comprising said medium - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of absorbing a medium in a superabsorbent material and an article thereof.
A medium (4) to be impregnated with a liquid and applied to the human body (the medium includes a superabsorbent material that forms a gel upon absorption of the liquid) and a housing (3). A container (2) comprising (the housing contains a medium before use, the volume of the housing (3) containing both the medium and an amount of liquid sufficient to gel the medium (4)) (1) and an article impregnated with the medium. This article is useful as a cosmetic pad.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

The invention particularly relates to a medium for impregnation with a liquid and for application to the human body, for example a medium comprising a superabsorbent material that forms a gel upon absorption of the liquid.

The invention also relates to devices and kits comprising such media.

International Patent Application No. WO 02/03898 and International Patent Application No. WO 03/033041 disclose dressings comprising a water-absorbing substance combined with a reinforcing or adhesive layer.

International Patent Application No. WO 03/022317 also discloses a wound dressing made of a material that absorbs water impregnated with a solution of a metal, such as a silver salt. These wound dressings can be woven or non-woven and are made from fibers derived from cellulose or alginate, by themselves or in a mixture.

International patent application WO 98/09590 describes wound dressings made from a mixture of modified cellulose fibers or other fibers, such as fibers derived from alginate.

EP 0737463 and EP 1350739 have two chambers, one containing a fabric or sponge compression type medium for reconstitution with water, the other containing impregnating liquid, The device comprised by this is disclosed. The two chambers are connected by a duct for opening during the impregnation step.

US 2002/01292269 discloses a device having two chambers, one containing a textile skin care product and the other containing a liquid for impregnating the textile product by impregnation.

It is designed to absorb liquids and be applied to the human body and should benefit from a medium that is attractive for cosmetic use and particularly practical in use.

There is also a need to have an available means that facilitates impregnating the media prior to applying the media and that facilitates impregnating the media with a predetermined amount of liquid as needed.

There is also a need to benefit from a medium that contains a superabsorbent material that forms a gel upon absorption of liquid, is easy to handle and is easy to place on the surface of the human body to be treated.

There is also a need to allow media containing superabsorbent materials to be stored and preserved under improved conditions.

The present invention seeks to fully or partially meet those needs.

In one of its aspects, the present invention particularly provides a device comprising a medium impregnated with a liquid and in the form of a fiber wad for application to the human body. The medium includes a superabsorbent material that forms a gel upon absorbing liquid, and the device further includes a receptacle that includes a housing in which the medium is contained prior to use, the volume of the housing And sufficient to contain an amount of liquid sufficient to gel the medium.

The present invention thus facilitates storage of a medium containing a superabsorbent material under protected, dry and optionally aseptic conditions and impregnates the medium with the desired amount of liquid. Make it possible to do.

In addition, and in some cases, once the gel is formed, the medium becomes translucent or transparent, and thereby exhibits an attractive appearance.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a kit comprising a medium in the form of a fiber mass, particularly impregnated with a liquid and applied to the human body, provided that the mass forms a gel upon absorption of the liquid. Including the superabsorbent material, the kit further comprises a liquid that gels the medium.

In another aspect, the present invention provides an applicator comprising a tube filled with at least one liquid, an applicator element to be impregnated with the liquid contained in the tube, the applicator element comprising a superabsorbent material. . The superabsorbent material is suitable for forming a gel when impregnated with a liquid.

In still another aspect, the present invention includes the following steps:
Taking a medium containing at least 80% by weight of a superabsorbent material other than polyvinyl alcohol and impregnating it with a liquid to absorb the liquid and form a gel:
Placing the gelled medium in contact with the surface to be treated, in particular with a non-injured surface,
A cosmetic treatment method is provided.

In the detailed description and claims, the term “gel” means a soft solid or a quasi-solid obtained by mixing at least two components, at least one of the two components depending on the medium and the liquid. It is a liquid that can constitute the main fraction, for example 70% to 99% by weight, preferably 90 to 99% by weight, with respect to the weight of the constituted combination. The resulting gel can have excellent usability. The gel is not noticeable and in some embodiments can be transparent. The gel has excellent mechanical properties and is perfectly adaptable to various face and body shapes. The gel may be sufficiently stretched to be able to be applied to various places on the human body, for example for the purpose of releasing active agents, especially cosmetically and / or dermatologically active agents. It is strong, unity, flexible, exhibits some amount of elasticity that makes it easy to handle and may be sufficiently adhesive.

Independently or in combination with the above, the present invention also provides a medium that is impregnated with a liquid and stretched to the human body, provided that the medium is polyvinyl alcohol relative to the total weight of the medium. If the liquid is absorbed, it forms a gel.

Independently or in combination with the above, the present invention provides the following:
A medium, in particular a medium that is in the form of a mass of fibers to be impregnated with a liquid and stretched to the human body, provided that the medium forms a gel when impregnated with a liquid, so that the medium is translucent Or containing a superabsorbent material that becomes transparent; and a container comprising a housing in which the medium is contained;
A device is also provided.

Independently or in combination with the above, the present invention provides the following:
A container comprising a sheet-like medium that is gelled by a liquid and stretched on the human body and a housing in which the medium is contained, provided that the housing determines the amount of liquid required to gel the sheet medium. Showing a volume sufficient to contain, the container does not contain any reservoir containing the liquid prior to the gelling step,
Also provide devices including

Independently or in combination with the above, the present invention provides the following:
A medium impregnated with a liquid and stretched on the human body, the medium comprising at least 80% by weight of a superabsorbent material that forms a gel upon absorption of the liquid; and a liquid for gelling the medium;
A kit comprising is also provided.

Independently or in combination with the above, the present invention provides the following:
A tube filled with at least one liquid; and an applicator element impregnated with the liquid and comprising a superabsorbent material;
An applicator is also provided.

Suitable superabsorbent materials for manufacturing such applicators are advantageously superabsorbent materials selected from those listed in the description below.

Independently or in combination with the above, the present invention comprises the following steps:
Injecting a liquid into the housing of the device defined above to impregnate the medium; and contacting the surface to be treated with the medium thus impregnated;
A cosmetic treatment method is also provided.

Superabsorbent material The superabsorbent material present in the medium advantageously exhibits a very high ability to absorb liquids, in particular water. It exhibits the ability to absorb in water, especially 15 times its own weight, or even 20 to 50 times, for example 25 to 30 times.

In certain embodiments, the superabsorbent material for practicing the present invention is anhydrous.

In the sense of the present invention, the term “anhydrous” refers to a compound comprising less than 5% by weight, in particular less than 3% by weight, more particularly less than 2% by weight and better less than 1% by weight of the total weight of the substance. Used to mean.

The capacity of the superabsorbent material for absorbing liquid can be determined by performing the following method.

A sample of superabsorbent material in powder, fiber, or mass, or arranged as a film or sheet, is weighed in the dry state (M _D ). For example, it is possible to use a non-woven square web having sides of about 1 cm. In the context of the process of the present invention, the superabsorbent material is obtained in the “dry” state by being treated in a drying oven at about 50 ° C. for about 4 hours.

Water (or any other liquid that can be absorbed by the material) is brought into contact with the material. This can be done by immersing the material in the liquid or else pouring the liquid into the material. For example, the material can be impregnated for a duration of about 1 minute.

The amount of water (or liquid) is used in excess, for example to fully saturate the material. Excess water (or liquid) is then removed by drip dry drying such as about 2 minutes, saturated material is weighed in a liquid (M _L).

The difference Δ between the weight of the substance when saturated in the liquid and the weight of the substance when dry represents the amount of liquid it has absorbed, which is compared to the dry weight of the substance. The resulting value C indicates the capacity of the superabsorbent material to absorb liquid, for example the amount expressed in grams of liquid absorbed per gram of dried material.

Depending on the fraction of superabsorbent material that the medium contains, the medium contains 15 times the liquid of its own weight, probably 20-50 times its own weight, preferably 25-30 times its own weight.

The absorption capacity of a medium containing a superabsorbent material can be measured in a manner similar to the protocol described above for use with the superabsorbent material itself.

Superabsorbents are cellulose derivatives, alginates and their derivatives, in particular derivatives such as propylene glycol alginate or salts thereof such as sodium alginate, calcium alginate, polyacrylic acid or polymethacrylic acid derivatives, polyacrylamide derivatives, polyvinyl It may be selected from derivatives of pyrrolidone, derivatives of polyvinyl ether, and inter alia mixtures thereof.

In particular, the superabsorbent material is selected from chemically modified cellulose derivatives. For example, from carboxymethyl cellulose, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, carboxyethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl ethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, methyl cellulose sodium, microcrystalline cellulose, cellulose sulfate sodium, and mixtures thereof Can be selected.

The superabsorbent material may also be selected from alkyl cellulose. These polymers are obtained by grafting alkyl residues onto one or more hydroxy groups of the cellulose polymer to form hydroxyalkyl derivatives. These alkyl residues can be selected from the following groups: stearyl, isostearyl, lauryl, myristyl, cetyl, isocetyl, cocoyl, palmityl, oleyl, linonyl, ricinyl, behenyl, and mixtures thereof. These hydroxyalkyl cellulose derivatives can also be subjected to chemical modifications using, for example, carboxylic acid residues.

Superabsorbents are also selected from natural polymer derivatives such as gelatin and glucomannan, and galactomannans extracted from seeds, vegetable fibers, fruits, seaweed, starches, plant resins, or galactomannans of microbial origin, polysaccharides Can be done. For example, it may be selected from agar gum, guar gum, tragacanth gum, carrageenan gum, strawberry gum, locust bean gum, gellan gum, xanthan gum, and mixtures thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, the superabsorbent material is a chemically modified cellulose, in particular carboxymethylcellulose.

Fibers of superabsorbent materials are described in the following patent applications: International Patent Application WO 93/12275, International Patent Application WO 94/16746, and International Patent Application WO 00/01425. The contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Carboxymethylcellulose fibers are advantageously obtained by reacting cellulose fibers with a carboxymethylating agent, such as chloroacetic acid, or a salt thereof, such as a sodium salt, in the presence of a strong alkali reagent, such as sodium hydroxide. Advantageously, the degree of substitution of the resulting cellulose fibers is about 0.1 to 0.5 carboxymethyl groups per glucose unit, or 0.2 to 0.4 carboxymethyl groups per glucose unit. Superabsorbent fibers are known, for example, under the trade name Hydrofiber Technology and are sold by the supplier CONVATEC.

In one embodiment, the superabsorbent material comprises fibers. These fibers may be woven or joined other than by weaving, for example by using a type of joining method used to make nonwoven fabrics.

For example, the fiber is first beaten with a carding machine. This step of directing the fibers in a certain direction can condition the mechanical properties of the nonwoven fiber sheet. The resulting sheets can be grouped together by a bonding type process that can occur mechanically, thermally, or chemically. For example, the treatment may be entangled by needling or jetting a liquid or gaseous fluid that is compatible with the properties of the fiber.

In another embodiment, by merging the webs by any known method for obtaining nonwovens, in preferred implementations, by combing, followed by needling or by using water jets, Prior to the carboxymethyl reaction, the carboxymethyl reaction can be carried out on the produced non-woven cellulose fibers. If it is desired to start with a non-woven fabric obtained by a method that makes it possible to use a jet of water and thereby obtain a structure that is denser than that obtained by needling Is preferred. Such an implementation is described in particular in international patent application WO 94/16746, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

As an example of a nonwoven that is suitable for use in the practice of the present invention, a fabric that exhibits a fiber density of 50 grams per square meter (g / m ² ) can be used.

Examples of needled fabrics suitable for the practice of the present invention may include those that exhibit a fiber density of about 90 g / m ² .

The fibers of the superabsorbent material may constitute at least 80% by weight or even more of the medium before being impregnated with the liquid. For example, the fibers may comprise at least 90%, and even at least 99% by weight of the medium before being impregnated with the liquid. The medium may consist essentially of such fibers. A high fiber percentage can make it easier to obtain a visually appealing effect in use, since the media goes from an opaque state to a translucent or transparent state.

In another embodiment, the medium is at least 0.1 wt%, at least 10 wt%, better 50 wt%, or 80 wt%, in fact essentially equal to 100 wt%, relative to the total weight of the medium Cellulose derivatives in content can be included.

Active agent The medium may comprise at least one active agent. The liquid impregnating the medium may optionally also contain an active agent. Any such active agent can be selected from, for example, those that can act on the skin, such as cosmetically and / or dermatologically active agents.

When the medium contains an active agent, it can be incorporated into the medium, especially by an alternating electric field. The active agent can be incorporated especially in powder form.

Among all active agents that can be used in the present invention, in particular:
α- or β-hydroxy acids such as lactic acid, glycolic acid, citric acid, 5-octanoylsalicylic acid, α-hydroxydecanoic acid, α-hydroxylauric acid, tartaric acid, glucuronic acid, galacturonic acid, acrylic acid, α-hydroxy Butyric acid, α-hydroxyisobutyric acid, malic acid, mandelic acid, phosphoric acid, pyruvic acid, lactobionic acid, and salicylic acid,
Can be mentioned.

Examples of other active agents that may be used in the context of the present invention include cosmetic oils that serve to impart emollient properties to the gel, such as silicone oils, triglyceride type vegetable oils, hydrocarbon oils such as paream oil, and Mention may be made of esters of fatty acids and fatty alcohols.

Anti-acne agents such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, octopirox, dextrorotatory and levorotatory sulfur-containing amino acids, their salts, and their N-acetyl derivatives, such as N-acetylcysteine, or prevent skin aging and And / or agents to improve the condition, such as the α- and β-hydroxy acids mentioned above, retinoids such as retinoic acid, retinol and esters thereof such as propionic acid retinyl ester and acetic acid retinyl ester, or palmitic acid retinic Nyl ester, niacinamide, allantoin, aloe extract, azelaic acid, bisabolol, phytic acid, collagen, or agents that stimulate collagen production, vitamins such as vitamin C or derivatives thereof such as ascorbyl glucoside, vitamin E or derivatives thereof Vitamin A or derivatives thereof, vitamin F or derivatives thereof, dextrorotatory and levorotatory sulfur-containing amino acids, and derivatives thereof as described above, elastin, N-acetyl D-glucosamine, luteolin, or antioxidants such as green tea Or active fractions thereof, glycerin, laponite, caffeine, aromatic essential oils, coloring agents, free radical scavengers, moisturizers, depigmenting agents, agents that improve skin color, eg dihydroxyacetone or tyrosine ester type artificial tanning agents , Fatoregulators, softeners, anti-wrinkle agents, keratolytic agents, fresheners, deodorants, anesthetics, nutrients, and mixtures thereof are also possible It is. It is also possible to use bleaching agents such as kojic acid, ascorbyl phosphate, ascorbyl glucoside, ascorbic acid, and mixtures thereof.

It is also possible to use active agents for improving the skin condition, such as humectants, or agents that help improve the natural fat barrier, such as ceramide, cholesterol sulfate, and / or fatty acids and mixtures thereof. is there. It is also possible to use enzymes having activity on the skin, such as proteases, lipases, cerebrosidases, and / or melanases and mixtures thereof.

Other examples of agents that may be suitable for practicing the present invention include analgesics, anesthetics, antibacterial agents, anti-yeast agents, antifungal agents, antiviral agents, anti-dermititis agents, Anti-itch agent, anti-emetic agent, vascular protective agent, anti-motion sickness agent, anti-irritant, anti-inflammatory agent, immunostimulant, anti-hyperkeratolytic agent, agent for treating dry skin, antiperspirant, anti-psoriatic agent, There are anti-dandruff agents, anti-aging agents, anti-asthma agents, and bronchodilators, sunscreen agents, antihistamines, therapeutic agents, corticosteroids, tanning agents, and mixtures thereof.

The content of active agent in the medium and / or liquid can be adjusted as a function of the area to be treated and the intended purpose. For example, it may be 100% by weight, for example more than 150% by weight of the drug, based on the weight of the medium without active agent.

Liquid The liquid used to impregnate the medium is, for example, in the range of 10% to 100% by weight of the liquid composition, preferably in the range of 50% to 100%, more preferably 90%. It is mainly composed of water in an amount ranging from% to 100% by weight. For example, the liquid can be water, an aqueous solution, an aqueous alcohol or alcohol lotion, or an emulsion. When a user uses water to impregnate the medium, it may be, for example, tap water, seawater, mineral water, or spring water.

Brookfield digital viscometer, DV type II, measuring body No. 3, the viscosity of the liquid measured using 100 was from 100 millipascal second (mPa.s) to 500,000 mPa.s. s, preferably 500 mPa.s. s to 100,000 mPa.s s range, more preferably 500 mPa.s. s to 20,000 mPa.s s range, most preferably 500 mPa.s. s to 3,000 mPa.s It is the range of s.

In an embodiment of the present invention, before being impregnated with a liquid, the medium comprises one or more active agents selected, for example, from those described above. In doing so, the liquid used to gel the medium need not have an active agent, and can be selected to dissolve the active agent present in the medium.

According to another embodiment of the invention, both the medium and the liquid for impregnating it each contain an active agent selected from the active agents described above. This embodiment is particularly advantageous when it relates to active agents that are unstable over time in combination. That is, by separating the active agents in the medium and in the liquid for gelling the medium, their own shelf life is improved.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, the medium does not contain any active agent, in which case the liquid for impregnating the medium may contain the active agent where appropriate.

Form of the medium A medium containing a superabsorbent material, especially when the medium comprises or is essentially constituted by fibers, such as carboxymethylcellulose or one of the superabsorbent materials mentioned above. Can be prepared in the form of at least one sheet.

In an embodiment of the invention, the medium is in the form of a sheet comprising nonwoven fibers of superabsorbent material.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the media may take the form of a sheet comprising woven fibers.

In another embodiment, the medium comprises a powder and, when appropriate, a net. For example, the net can contribute to providing integrity to the medium after it is impregnated with a liquid and the superabsorbent material is converted to a gel,

The medium may also take the form of a single layer structure containing a superabsorbent material.

Where appropriate, the medium may exhibit a multilayer structure, in which at least one layer comprises a superabsorbent material. For example, different layers can contain different active agents. Some or all of the various layers may include a superabsorbent material. In particular, one of the layers may not contain any superabsorbent material, for example it is inert to the liquid and does not absorb substantially any liquid, yarn, film, net, or filler. May be included. For example, the media may include reinforcements or supports suitable to make the gel obtained by impregnating the media stronger and resistant to degradation.

Advantageously, the medium according to the invention does not have an adhesive layer.

For example, if present, the foundation may also include a layer of cellulose fibers, or a layer of synthetic fibers, such as polyamide fibers, polyester fibers, or polyethylene fibers.

After absorbing the liquid, the medium may exhibit a decrease in its external surface area. This reduction can be at least 10% of the original area and can be as much as 40%.

The medium may increase in thickness by at least 50%, in particular at least 150% of the initial thickness.

After being impregnated with a liquid, the medium advantageously exhibits a structure that is uniform and stable over the length of time required for its use. This length of time can range from a few seconds (eg, 10 seconds) to a few hours (eg, 4 hours to 8 hours).

Advantageously, after impregnation with the liquid, the medium becomes transparent or translucent.

After being impregnated with the liquid, the medium may not be substantially elastically deformable.

The medium may be in the form of a mask or patch for stretching on a cut sheet, such as the face, or any other part of the body to be treated.

The medium can also include a space in which at least a portion of the human body can be engaged. For example, the medium may be in the form of a glove, in particular a mittens, i.e. helping to treat the hand or allowing it to be used as a glove for treating other parts of the body.

Advantageously, the media may be provided in a variety of forms, each adapted to a particular application. That is, it can be provided in the form of gloves with fingers, a cap for covering the hair or scalp, or a bag or sachet for wearing around the ear.

The space may be made from a single sheet folded in half, or from multiple sheets brought together, for example by heat sealing, adhesive or stitching.

When the medium is for application over at least a portion of the face, it may also include at least one opening, for example for the eyes, for example the nose and / or the mouth.

Container and sealing member The device advantageously includes a sealing member in a particularly airtight manner for closing the housing.

The sealing member may include a film that may be secured to the container, for example, by adhesive or heat sealing.

For example, the film can be a plastic material or a metal film. For example, the film can be a PET or polyolefin film, optionally covered with a metal such as aluminum.

At least a portion of the film placed at the periphery of the device need not adhere to the container, so that the film can be grasped for the purpose of removing it.

The container may include a plate.

The housing may exhibit a bottom wall that is flat and a side wall that is inclined, eg, protruding from the bottom wall.

For example, the side wall is arranged along the contour of the medium placed in the housing.

The housing advantageously exhibits a depth greater than the maximum thickness of the media. For example, this depth can range from 2 mm to 6 mm.

For example, the housing defines a volume that ranges from 1 mL to 50 mL, in particular from 3 mL to 30 mL, or from 4 mL to 20 mL, as a function of the medium to be impregnated.

The housing containing the medium can be the only housing in the container.

When the container has a plurality of housings, each containing a respective medium, the medium can be impregnated with or include a different respective active agent. Under such conditions, the user can select multiple media, for example as a function of the processing to be performed, or a plurality of having various shapes in combination with various liquids for simultaneously processing different areas of the face or body. Media can be used.

The container may be made at least partly from a material that is impermeable to liquids, such as plastic material and / or metal. For example, the metal may be aluminum. As examples of plastic materials, mention may be made of thermoplastic materials such as polyolefins, in particular polyethylene or polypropylene. The container can be obtained by thermoforming.

The container is advantageously composed of a thermoplastic material that is at least partially transparent or translucent.

The device may include multiple media. In such a configuration, the at least two media can include different active agents. These media can be contained in different housings of the containers described above.

In another embodiment, the media may be placed in different housings belonging to different containers, which may be interconnected via, for example, a breakable area.

Kits Independently and in combination with the above, the present invention provides the following:
A medium, in particular a medium as defined above, wherein the medium is impregnated with a liquid and is intended to be applied to the human body, the medium forming a gel upon absorption of the liquid Liquid for containing the substance and impregnating the medium,
A kit comprising is also provided.

Independently and in combination with the above, the present invention provides the following:
A medium to be impregnated with a liquid and applied to the human body, the medium comprising a superabsorbent material that forms a gel upon absorption of the liquid, and a device, including:
A container having a housing containing the medium;
There is also provided a kit comprising a sealing member for the housing; and a liquid for impregnating the medium.

The kit may include a plurality of devices. The devices may be included independently of each other in a typical package, or may be connected to each other in pairs, for example by a breakable region.

When the kit contains multiple media, at least two media may contain different active agents.

The kit can also include a plurality of liquids. These liquids can be different from each other.

Liquids for use in such kits can be packaged in disposable containers.

The invention can be better understood by reading the following detailed description of its non-limiting embodiments and examining the accompanying drawings.

1 and 2 show an example of a device 1 made according to the invention, including a container 2 that provides a housing 3, which contains a medium 4 for application to the human body. The container 2 is sealed in an airtight manner before use by a sealing member 5, which is shown in the embodiment in the form of a peel-off film.

The housing 3 shows a bottom wall 6 that is substantially flat and a side wall 7 that substantially conforms to the contour of the medium 4 and projects from the side wall 6.

With the exception of at least one portion 8 over the slightly setback portion of the container, the film 5 is secured to the container 2 by heat sealing or hot melt adhesive, i.e. for the user to remove it. It is possible to grab the corner of the film 5.

For example, the film 5 is a plastic material or metal film, or a composite film comprising one or more plastic materials and / or one or more metal layers.

In the described embodiment, the container 2 takes the form of a plate made by thermoforming a sheet of transparent plastic material, for example polyolefin.

The volume of the housing 3 is sufficient to contain not only the medium 4 but also a certain amount of liquid for impregnating the medium 4, which amount should be used for the intended purpose of the medium. Enough to make it possible.

For example, the volume of the housing 3 is at least twice the volume occupied by the medium 4 therein. In the example shown, the depth of the housing 3 is about 2 mm to 3 mm.

To use the device 1, the user starts by removing the sealing member 5 and then pours liquid into the housing 3, but until the liquid completely covers the medium 4 or is about to overflow the housing 3. In an embodiment not actually shown, the housing 3 will be filled until the liquid reaches a predetermined height, for example marked by a line on the container.

When liquid is contained in the container, a means for weighing may be provided, where appropriate. The liquid may be contained in a disposable container, in which case the entire content of the container is poured into the housing 3.

According to the present invention, the medium 4 comprises at least one superabsorbent material, which as described above is transformed into a gel, where appropriate from one or more active agents, in particular those listed above. Contains selected agents. Specifically, the medium 4 can be in the form of a fiber mass.

In the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the medium 4 is intended to exert an anti-wrinkle action, for example in the contours of the eyes, which weighs 90 g / m ² and is the longest at 6. It consists of a needled mass based on Hydrofiber fibers from CONVATEC, which are 5 cm long and 2.3 cm wide at the widest and are cut out as bean-shaped pieces. The medium comprises the following composition immediately before being applied to the eye contour: the remaining amount of water 100, 1% extract of mint leaf in an aqueous solution, 1% encapsulated palmitic retinyl ester, Laponite 0.5%, preservative, fragrance 0.1% (percentage by weight) may be impregnated with about 3 mL to 4 mL.

FIG. 3 shows a kit comprising a device 1 as described above, together with a container 9 containing a liquid for impregnating the medium 4, where the liquid is one of those listed above, for example possibly one or more Contains cosmetic and / or dermatological active agents.

The capacity of the container 9 may be adapted for disposable use, or in another aspect adapted for multiple uses.

In the variant shown in FIG. 4, the container 9 may be combined with a plurality of devices 1, for example to allow a plurality of successive uses.

The media 4 included in the device 1 may be the same or, in a variant, the media 4 may contain different active agents, depending on the active agents they contain and the processing to be performed. , Allowing the user to select the desired device 1 from a plurality.

In another embodiment of FIG. 5, the kit may include not only the device 1 but also a plurality of containers 11 containing different respective liquids, for example liquids containing specific active agents, i.e. the user performs, for example, Depending on the treatment to be performed, it is possible to select the container 11 as a function of the active agent it contains.

For example, the containers 11 are disposable cartridges each having a distal end that is torn away as shown. Of course, the container 11 can be in some other form, such as an ampoule, without exceeding the scope of the present invention.

The capacity of the container 9 or 11 is in the range of 1 mL to 50 mL, in particular in the range of 3 mL to 30 mL, or actually in the range of 4 mL to 20 mL.

In a variant not shown, the kit comprises a plurality of devices 1 and a plurality of containers 9 or 11, the devices being the same or different and the containers being the same or different. For example, a kit can include multiple devices containing different active agents and multiple containers that also contain different active agents, and the user can make any desired combination of active agents.

In the above example, the media 4 can take the form of a patch comprising fibers of gel-forming superabsorbent material, but can also be in some other form.

For example, FIG. 6 shows another embodiment comprising a gel-forming superabsorbent powder 12 having a net 13 disposed thereon.

When impregnated with a liquid, the presence of gel and net of powder 12 gives the media 4 integrity and also makes it easy to handle.

In the example of FIG. 8, the medium has a hollow structure including a set of two sheets 14 and 15 that define a space 16 therebetween, and a body part, for example, a hand can be engaged with the space. it can.

For example, the glove shown in FIG. 7 is intended to treat the hand or otherwise allow the user to treat any other area of the body using a medium such as a bath towel. Can be.

Gloves for applying a self-tanning agent are produced, for example, from non-woven fabrics based on Hydrofiber fibers from CONVATEC, which are bonded by water jetting and have a weight of 50 g / m ² . It is first impregnated with dihydroxyacetone powder in any suitable means at 150% by weight of dihydroxyacetone per 100 g of medium, and in a particularly preferred manner by means of alternating electric field.

Just before being applied to the body, it can be impregnated with about 50 mL of water. It can also be used directly on moist skin while massaging the skin uniformly, preferably so as to give it a uniform color without being moistened itself.

When the medium 4 is in the form of a space structure or a mask having an opening 17 as shown in FIG. 9, the medium 4 is rolled up in the plate 2 as in the embodiment of FIGS. Or it can be packaged in a folded state.

For example, the mask of FIG. 4 for exerting anti-wrinkle action and promoting shining skin color is 90 g / m ² , for example, cut into a face shape that is 20 cm at the highest and 23 cm at the widest. It can be composed of a needled mass of Hydrofiber fiber made by CONVATEC. The medium can initially be impregnated with powdered ascorbic acid up to 150% by weight vitamin C per 100 g medium, in particular and preferably with an alternating electric field. Immediately before being applied to the face, the mask is composed of the following composition: remaining amount of water 100, allantoin 1%, glycerin 3%, preservative 0.3%, fragrance 0.1% (percentage is weight) About 20 mL to 30 mL.

The use of fibers made of a superabsorbent material that can be gelled in the presence of a liquid not only for making a medium 4 in the form of a sheet for application to the human body, but also an applicator element, For example, it may be advantageous to make the elements shown in FIG.

This figure shows an applicator comprising an applicator element which contains at least one liquid therein and which can be impregnated with the liquid contained in the tube 19 when used at the end of the tube.

For example, apart from the nature of the applicator element, the applicator shown in FIG. 12 has the following French Patent Application Publication No. 2845005, French Patent Application Publication No. 2844986, French Patent Application Publication No. 2844973, French Patent Application Publication No. 2845069. , French Patent Application Publication No. 2844 974, which may be the same as those described herein, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

For example, at the distal end from the applicator element 20, the tube 19 has an end piece 21 that tears away, and when the piece is torn down, air enters the tube and the liquid contained within the tube passes the applicator element 20. Allow to flow toward.

Where appropriate, the liquid contained within the tube 19 and the applicator element 20 can be separated by a liquid plug, such as silicone.

In use, the user breaks the portion 21 to be broken away and the liquid contained in the tube 19 reaches the applicator element 20.

Due to the presence of the superabsorbent material there, the applicator element 20 can absorb all of the liquid contained in the tube 19 and the risk of dripping the liquid impregnating the applicator element 20 is small.

For example, the liquid contained in the tube 19 can include at least one of the active agents described above.

Manufacturing the applicator element 20 from fibers of a superabsorbent material that gels, such as those described above, is particularly advantageous when the liquid for impregnating the ends is of low viscosity.

The applicator element 20 may consist essentially of fibers of a superabsorbent material that, when appropriate, gel.

In a variant, the applicator element 20 does not contain fibers of superabsorbent material, but instead contains powder of the material, which can be mixed with cotton or fibers of some other material, or for example It can be taken up by cellular tissue or felt.

The volume of the liquid contained in the tube 19 is, for example, in the range of 0.01 mL to 5 mL, particularly in the range of 0.5 mL to 1 mL.

Throughout this description, including the claims, the term “comprising” is to be understood as synonymous with “including at least one”, unless expressly stated to the contrary, Should be understood to include the extreme values of the range.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a device constituting an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic and fragmentary cross-sectional view on II-II in FIG. 1. 2 shows various examples of kits made in accordance with the present invention. 2 shows various examples of kits made in accordance with the present invention. 2 shows various examples of kits made in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 showing another embodiment according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a front view of another embodiment of a medium according to the present invention. It is sectional drawing on VIII-VIII of FIG. FIG. 6 is a front view of another embodiment of a medium according to the present invention. FIG. 10 is a front view of another embodiment of a device according to the present invention, including the medium shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing on XI-XI of FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic elevation view of an applicator constituting another embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Device 2 Container 3 Housing 4 Medium 5 Sealing member 6 Bottom wall 7 Side wall 9 Container 11 Container 12 Powder 13 Net 14 Sheet 15 Sheet 16 Space 17 Opening 19 Tube 20 Applicator element 21 End part

Claims (59)

A medium that is impregnated with a liquid and applied to the human body, the medium comprising a superabsorbent material that forms a gel upon absorption of the liquid, and a housing in which the medium is contained prior to use ( A container (2) having 3), but the volume of the housing (3) is sufficient to accommodate both the medium and an amount of liquid sufficient to gel the medium (4);
A device (1) comprising: The device of claim 1, wherein the medium is in the form of a mass. 3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the superabsorbent material (4) comprises fibers. 4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the fibers are joined by means other than weaving. 4. A device according to claim 3, characterized in that the fibers are woven. Device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the fibers of the superabsorbent material constitute at least 80% by weight of the medium (4) before being impregnated with the liquid. Device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the fibers of the superabsorbent material constitute at least 90% by weight of the medium (4) before being impregnated with the liquid. Device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the fibers of the superabsorbent material constitute at least 99% by weight of the medium (4) before being impregnated with the liquid. The superabsorbent material is selected from cellulose derivatives, alginates and their derivatives, polyacrylic acid or polymethacrylic acid derivatives, polyacrylamide derivatives, polyvinylpyrrolidone derivatives, polyvinyl ether derivatives, gums, and mixtures thereof. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the medium (4) comprises a derivative of cellulose constituting at least 50% by weight relative to the total weight of the medium. 11. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that the medium comprises a derivative of cellulose constituting at least 80% by weight. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that the cellulose derivative comprises carboxymethylcellulose. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the medium comprises at least one cosmetically and / or dermatologically active agent. 14. Device according to claim 13, characterized in that the medium comprises a self-tanning agent. 14. A device according to claim 13, characterized in that the medium comprises an anti-wrinkle agent. 14. Device according to claim 13, characterized in that the medium comprises vitamin C. The device according to any one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that the medium comprises a powdered active agent. 18. Device according to claim 17, characterized in that the powdered active agent is taken up into the medium by an alternating electric field. 19. Device according to any one of claims 13 to 18, characterized in that the active agent is present in a content which is 100% or more relative to the total weight of the medium without active agent. 20. Device according to claim 19, characterized in that the active agent is present in a content which is about 150% relative to the total weight of the medium without active agent. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the medium (4) is arranged in the form of at least one sheet. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the medium (4) comprises powder (12) and a net (13) in contact therewith. 23. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the medium (4) exhibits a multilayer structure and at least one layer of the multilayer structure comprises a superabsorbent material. 24. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the medium (4) further comprises a substance that does not substantially absorb liquid. 25. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that after absorbing liquid, the medium (4) has its outer surface area reduced by about 10%. 26. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that after absorbing liquid, the medium exhibits an increase in thickness of at least 50%. 27. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the medium exhibits integrity at least after the medium is impregnated with a liquid. 28. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, after being impregnated with a liquid, the medium (4) becomes transparent or translucent. 29. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that after being impregnated with a liquid, the medium is substantially not elastically deformable. 30. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the medium (4) comprises a space (16) in which at least a part of the human body can be engaged. 30. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the medium is in the form of a patch or mask. 32. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 31, characterized in that it comprises a sealing member (5) for sealing the container (2). Device according to claim 32, characterized in that the sealing member (5) closes the housing (3) in an airtight manner. 34. Device according to any one of claims 32 or 33, characterized in that the sealing member (5) comprises a film. 35. Device according to claim 34, characterized in that the film (5) is fixed to the container by adhesive or heat sealing. 36. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 35, characterized in that the container (2) comprises a plate. 37. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (3) presents a bottom wall (6) which is substantially flat. 38. Device according to claim 37, characterized in that the housing presents inclined side walls (7) projecting from the bottom wall (6). Device according to claim 38, characterized in that the side wall (7) substantially follows the contour of the medium (4) arranged in the housing (3). Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the depth of the housing (3) is greater than the maximum thickness of the medium. 41. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 40, characterized in that the depth of the housing (3) is between 2 mm and 6 mm. 42. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (3) containing the medium is the sole housing of the container (2). 43. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 42, characterized in that the container (2) is at least partly transparent. 44. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 43, characterized in that the container (2) is obtained by thermoforming. A medium to be impregnated with a liquid and applied to the human body, provided that the medium comprises a superabsorbent material that forms a gel when impregnated with the liquid, the medium (4) being translucent or A container (2) having a housing (3) which is transparent and in which the medium is accommodated,
Including device. A container (2) comprising a sheet medium (4) that is gelled by a liquid and applied to a human body; and a housing (3) in which the medium (4) is contained;
The device comprising the housing, but the housing (3) exhibits a volume sufficient to contain the amount of liquid required to gel the sheet media, and the container (2) is There is no reservoir containing liquid. 47. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of media (4). 48. Device according to claim 47, characterized in that at least two media comprise different active agents. 49. Device according to claim 47, characterized in that the medium (4) is contained in a different housing (3) of the container (2). 49. Device according to claim 47 or 48, characterized in that the medium (4) is contained in different housings, each belonging to a different container (2). 51. Device according to claim 50, characterized in that the containers (2) are joined in pairs by a breakable area. Liquid for impregnating the device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 51 and one or more media (4),
Including kit. 53. Kit according to claim 52, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of different liquids. 54. Kit according to any one of claims 52 or 53, characterized in that the liquid or each liquid is packaged in a disposable container (12). A medium impregnated with a liquid and applied to the human body, wherein the medium comprises at least 80% by weight of a superabsorbent material that forms a gel upon absorption of the liquid; and for gelling the medium liquid,
Including kit. A sheet-like medium (4) impregnated with a liquid and applied to the human body, provided that the medium contains at least 80% by weight of a superabsorbent material other than polyvinyl alcohol and absorbs the liquid to form a gel. Form. A tube (19) filled with at least one liquid; and an applicator element (20) impregnated with the liquid contained in the tube and applied to the human body
Wherein the applicator element comprises a superabsorbent material. The following steps:
Impregnating with a liquid a medium (4) containing at least 80% by weight of a superabsorbent other than polyvinyl alcohol, said medium forming a gel upon absorption of the liquid; and the surface to be treated gelled A cosmetic treatment method comprising contacting with a medium (4). The following steps:
Injecting liquid into the housing (3) of the device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 46 to impregnate the medium (4); and thus impregnating the surface to be treated Contacting with the treated medium (4),
A cosmetic treatment method comprising:

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